8/12 - The Surgery Date is Set

Kristine's surgery is scheduled for a week from this Tuesday. A date that happens to fall on Kristine's birthday. She's handling this news surprisingly well for someone to whom a birthday is the most important day of the year. I guess she figures there could be no better birthday gift than a rebirth -- life renewed with a healthy future in front of her.

She's in Michigan this week visiting her parents and sister. It's a good opportunity for her to relax, have some fun and generally keep her mind off what's to come.

We meet with the heart surgeon again this coming Friday and the vascular surgeon for the first time the following Monday. The surgery is the very next day. With all the dates booked, there is a sudden and palpable feeling of reality. And while I'm certainly feeling some anxiety, I can only image how Kristine must be feeling as every possible (as well as unlikely) scenario runs through her mind.

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On another note, Roey and Simone, the organizers of Kristine's benefit this Saturday, will be posting silent auction items to the blog on Friday for those of you who can't make it. From what I hear there are some pretty great items that have been donated by local and national businesses.

If you're interested in bidding on any of the items, Roey's email will be listed on the blog. Simply email her your bid, include your name and it will remain silent until the end of the benefit. They will provide all the details on Friday.